PhD student · Started in 2025
Nicolò PALETTI
Designing CO2 Hydrogenation Catalysts via Three Complementary Strategies: IL-Mediated Nanoparticle Synthesis, Supported Ionic Liquid (SIL) Catalysts, and SCILL Systems.
CurriculumPhysical, Chemical and Mathematical Sciences for Engineering
AdvisorIrene Vassalini
Research groupChimica e Materiali Sostenibili
This project develops CO₂ hydrogenation catalysts using three complementary ionic-liquid (IL) strategies: IL-mediated synthesis, Supported Ionic Liquid (SIL) systems, and SCILL configurations. Fe, Cu, and Ru nanoparticles will be synthesized in ILs, then immobilized on porous supports or deposited as thin films on pre-formed catalysts, with extensive characterization (TEM, XRD, BET, XPS, Raman, TGA) at each stage. Catalytic performance for methanol, methane, and hydrocarbon production will be tested under flow conditions, using operando spectroscopy and temperature-programmed techniques to probe mechanisms. The comparative study aims to define structure–activity relationships governing selectivity, delivering scalable synthesis protocols for CO₂ valorization aligned with green chemistry principles.
Other advisors: Ivano Alessandri, Nancy Artioli
Profile
Short Bio
Nicolò Paletti is a first-year PhD candidate in Chemical Engineering at the University of Brescia, Italy. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and his Master’s degree in Industrial Chemistry from the University of Parma. His research focuses on the development of heterogeneous catalysts for CO₂ hydrogenation into synthetic fuels and chemicals. He investigates the use of ionic liquids as green solvents and capping agents for the synthesis of iron- and ruthenium-based nanoparticles, aiming to improve catalyst activity, selectivity, and stability. His research interests include heterogeneous catalysis, nanomaterials, green chemistry, and CO₂ valorization.
